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{{Short description|Airport serving Kochi, Kerala, India}}
{{For|the regional airport in Kōchi, Japan|Kōchi Airport}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2025}}
{{Infobox airport
| name = Cochin International Airport
| image = Cochin International Airport Logo.png
| image-width = 250
| image2 = CIAL T.jpg
| image2-width = 250
| caption2 = Cochin Airport main building
| IATA = COK
| ICAO = VOCI
| type = [[Public-private partnership]] (PPP)
| owner-oper = {{bulleted list|
| Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) {{small|(68.58%)}}
| [[Government of Kerala]] {{small|(32.42%)}}}}
| city-served = [[Kochi]]
| ___location = [[Nedumbassery]], Kochi, [[Kerala]], [[India]]
| opened = {{start date and age|1999|05|25|df=yes}}
| hub =
| focus_city = [[Air India]]
| operating_base = {{ubl|class=nowrap
| [[Air India Express]]
| [[IndiGo]]}}
| pushpin_map = India Kerala#India
| pushpin_label = '''COK'''/VOCI
| elevation-f = 30
| elevation-m = 9
| metric-elev = yes
| coordinates = {{coord|10|09|12.00|N|76|23|17.39|E|type:airport|display=inline,title}}
| website = {{URL|www.cial.aero}}
| r1-number = 09/27
| r1-length-m = 3,445
| r1-length-f = 11,302
| r1-surface = [[Asphalt concrete|Asphalt]]
| metric-rwy = yes
| h1-number = H1
| h1-length-f = 63
| h1-length-m = 19
| h1-surface = [[Asphalt concrete|Asphalt]]
| stat1-header = Passengers
| stat1-data = 11,140,778 ({{increase}} 7.5%)
| stat2-header = Aircraft movements
| stat2-data = 72,091
({{increase}} 6.9%)
| stat3-header = Cargo tonnage
| stat3-data = 61,999 ({{increase}} 3.4%)
| stat-year = April 2024 - March 2025 <!--Do not change or remove the figures, these are strictly as per the sources mentioned below and changing them will cause conflicting with sources.-->
| footnotes = Source: [[Airports Authority of India|AAI]]<ref name="AAI3">{{cite web|title=Annexure III – Passenger Data|url=https://www.aai.aero/sites/default/files/traffic-news/Mar2k25Annex3.pdf|website=aai.aero|access-date=26 April 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Annexure II – Aircraft Movement Data|url=https://www.aai.aero/sites/default/files/traffic-news/Mar2k25Annex2.pdf|website=aai.aero|access-date=26 April 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Annexure IV – Freight Movement Data|url=https://www.aai.aero/sites/default/files/traffic-news/Mar2k25Annex4.pdf|website=aai.aero|access-date=26 April 2025}}</ref>
}}
'''Cochin International Airport''' {{airport codes|COK|VOCI}}, popularly known as '''Kochi International Airport''' or '''Nedumbassery Airport''', is an [[international airport]] serving the city of [[Kochi]], [[Kerala]], in southwestern [[India]]. It is located at [[Nedumbassery]], about {{cvt|25|km}} northeast of the city center. The airport is the first of its kind to be developed under a [[public-private partnership]] (PPP) model in [[India]]. This project was funded by nearly 10,000 [[non-resident Indians]] from 32 countries.<ref name="LAR">{{cite news|url=https://irisholidays.com/keralatourism/airports-in-kerala/|title=Airports in Kerala-Helpful guide for tourists visiting Kerala|date=8 November 2019|access-date=9 November 2019|archive-date=7 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407004250/https://irisholidays.com/keralatourism/airports-in-kerala/|url-status=live}}</ref> It is the busiest and largest airport in the state of Kerala. {{As of|2024}}, the airport caters to more than 63% of the total air passenger traffic in Kerala.<ref name="PAX">{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2019/apr/08/crore-plus-transit-cial-in-2018-19-domestic-travellers-exceed-intl-1961513.html|title=Crore plus transit CIAL in 2018-19; domestic travellers exceed international|work=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=8 April 2019|access-date=5 March 2021|archive-date=6 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406185539/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2019/apr/08/crore-plus-transit-cial-in-2018-19-domestic-travellers-exceed-intl-1961513.html|url-status=live}}</ref> It is the fifth-busiest airport in India in terms of international traffic,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/september-will-be-a-watershed-moment-for-bengaluru-airport-kempegowda-international-airport-delhi-mumbai-aviation-11723540963726.html |title=Why September will be a watershed moment for Bengaluru airport |newspaper=[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]] |date=13 August 2024 |access-date=13 August 2024}}</ref> and the [[List of busiest airports in India|eighth-busiest]] overall.
In fiscal year 2024–25, the airport handled more than 11 million passengers with a total of 67,469 aircraft movements.<ref name="PAX"/><ref name="AAI3"/> As of 2025, the airport is served by over 25 airline companies, carrying passengers to over 30 international destinations and over 25 domestic destinations.
The airport operates three passenger terminals and one cargo terminal with a total area of over {{convert|225000|m2|0}}.<ref name="T3">{{cite news|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/photos/business-gallery/768117/cochin-international-airport-t3-new-terminal-interior-images-kochi-kerala/11/|title=Cochin International Airport new T3: From solar power to world-class facilities, this Kerala airport is special|work=[[The Financial Express (India)|Financial Express]]|date=18 July 2017|access-date=9 December 2018|archive-date=7 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407004254/https://www.financialexpress.com/photos/business-gallery/768117/cochin-international-airport-t3-new-terminal-interior-images-kochi-kerala/11/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2015, the airport became the world's first fully [[solar power|solar-power]]ed airport with the inauguration of a dedicated [[CIAL Solar Power Project|solar plant]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.livemint.com/Politics/nYRV0SGkot3GIOvQrqhBXL/Worlds-first-solarrun-airport-in-Kochi.html|title=Cochin International Airport set to become worlds's first fully solar-powered major airport|access-date=5 March 2021|work=LiveMint|date=18 August 2015|archive-date=22 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322074258/https://www.livemint.com/Politics/nYRV0SGkot3GIOvQrqhBXL/Worlds-first-solarrun-airport-in-Kochi.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BBC">{{cite news |last=Menon |first=Supriya |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-34421419 |title=How is the world's first solar powered airport faring? - BBC News |publisher=Bbc.com |access-date=1 December 2016 |work=BBC News |date=9 October 2015 |archive-date=25 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525214353/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-34421419 |url-status=live }}</ref> For this entrepreneurial vision, the airport won the coveted [[Champions of the Earth|Champion of the Earth]] award in 2018, the highest environmental honour instituted by the [[United Nations]].<ref name="UN">{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2018/jul/26/cial-chosen-for-un-environmental-honour-1848990.html|title=CIAL chosen for UN environmental honour|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=26 July 2018|access-date=26 July 2018|archive-date=7 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407102227/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2018/jul/26/cial-chosen-for-un-environmental-honour-1848990.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The airport was awarded The Best Airport in [[Asia–Pacific|Asia-Pacific]] in 2020 (5 to 15 million passengers per year) by [[Airports Council International]].<ref>{{cite web |title=2020 - Best Airport by Size and Region |url=https://aci.aero/customer-experience-asq/asq-awards-and-recognition/asq-awards/current-winner-2020/best-airport-by-size-and-region/ |website=ACI World |access-date=3 March 2021 |archive-date=1 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301172701/https://aci.aero/customer-experience-asq/asq-awards-and-recognition/asq-awards/current-winner-2020/best-airport-by-size-and-region/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Flights to [[London|London’s]] [[Gatwick]] and [[Heathrow]] airports, were previously operated by [[Air India]]. As of July 2025, these flights remain suspended.
==History==
Cochin airport began as an airstrip on [[Willingdon Island]], built in 1936 by the Kingdom of Cochin, intended for transporting officials involved in the development of the [[Cochin Port]]. The [[Kingdom of Cochin]] allowed the British, who ruled India at the time, to convert the airstrip into a military airport for use by the Indian Navy during [[World War II]]. The Royal Navy chose it as a strategic site for their headquarters in Southern India and as an air station cum landing craft and seaplane base.<ref>[http://mod.nic.in/samachar/dec15-02/html/ch13.htm] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207204637/http://mod.nic.in/samachar/dec15-02/html/ch13.htm|date=7 February 2012}}</ref> The military facility hosted naval fighter planes and was intended to thwart possible Japanese air raids.<ref>The origin of INS Venduruthy can be traced to 31 August 1939, when a small naval contingent was positioned in Kochi under Royal Indian Navy Captain L. Wadeson, who assumed the duties of Naval Officer-in-Charge, Cochin. http://www.hindu.com/2010/07/02/stories/2010070250590200.htm {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110921052604/http://www.hindu.com/2010/07/02/stories/2010070250590200.htm |date=21 September 2011 }}</ref> A small naval unit set up operations just two days before the outbreak of World War II.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/06/24/stories/2006062421530300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026103146/http://www.hindu.com/2006/06/24/stories/2006062421530300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 October 2012 |title=Kerala / Kochi News : INS Venduruthy celebrates anniversary |date=24 June 2006 |access-date=8 January 2014 |work=[[The Hindu]] |___location=Chennai, India}}</ref>
After India achieved [[Dominion of India|dominion status]] and the merger of the Kingdom of Cochin with India, the Indian Navy operated the airport, [[INS Garuda]], though it permitted civilian aircraft to use the facility. The Gulf [[economic boom]] of the 1980s made it necessary to develop international connections to Kochi in the interests of expatriates working in the Middle East.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cial.aero/contents/viewcontent.aspx?linkIdLvl2=51&linkId=51 |title=The Official Website of Cochin International Airport |publisher=Cial.aero |date=30 March 1994 |access-date=5 May 2014 |archive-date=11 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011082542/http://cial.aero/contents/viewcontent.aspx?linkIdLvl2=51&linkId=51 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Construction==
[[File:Periyarfromplane.jpg|thumb|The airport was constructed right by the Periyar river, seen from a landing plane.]]
The original proposal for the airport outlined an estimated cost of {{INRConvert|1|b|lk=r}} and an expected date of commission in 1997. Approval was granted in May 1993. The funding was envisaged to be from interest-free loans from non-resident Indians working abroad, donations from industrial undertakings, exporters, cooperative societies and loans from the state government. A body called the Cochin International Airport Society, under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister of Kerala [[K. Karunakaran]], was registered in July 1993 to execute the project. To better fund mobilisation, as well as an administrative convenience, a public limited company under the name Cochin International Airport Ltd. (CIAL) was registered in March 1994 with an authorised capital of {{INRConvert|900|m}}.<ref name="PIB Feature">{{cite web|publisher=Government of India, Press Information Bureau|url=http://pib.nic.in/feature/fe0599/f2205991.html|title=CIAL – A Novel Venture in Indian Civil Aviation|access-date=12 January 2011|archive-date=29 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829032306/http://pib.nic.in/feature/fe0599/f2205991.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 1996, [[E. K. Nayanar]] took over as chairman of the CIAL project. The construction picked up momentum during this period and Nayanar ensured that the airport project received special attention from the State Government and gave his unstinted support to CIAL. By 1997, substantial land was taken into CIAL possession through negotiated settlements.<ref name="cial.aero">{{cite news|title=About CIAL A Brief History|url=https://cial.aero/contents/viewcontent.aspx?linkIdLvl2=51&linkId=51|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 February 2020|access-date=30 July 2020|work=[[CIAL]]|date=30 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215145046/http://cial.aero/contents/viewcontent.aspx?linkIdLvl2=51&linkId=51}}</ref> A total of {{convert|1213|acre|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} of land was acquired for the construction of the airport.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=CIAL|url=http://cial.aero/contents/viewcontent.aspx?linkIdLvl2=54&linkId=54|title=CIAL: Corporate Project Details|access-date=28 September 2015|archive-date=28 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928161955/http://cial.aero/contents/viewcontent.aspx?linkIdLvl2=54&linkId=54|url-status=live}}</ref> Approximately 2,300 landowners and 872 families were resettled under a rehabilitation package.<ref name="CIAL">{{cite web|publisher=IIM Ahmedabad|url=http://www.iimahd.ernet.in/~graghu/CIAL.IIR.pdf|title=Governance Issues in Airport Development: Learnings From Cochin International Airport LTD|access-date=12 January 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614150605/http://www.iimahd.ernet.in/~graghu/CIAL.IIR.pdf|archive-date=14 June 2011}}</ref> Major electric lines and an irrigation canal had to be diverted. The facility was formally inaugurated by the then President of India, [[K. R. Narayanan]] on 25 May 1999 and the first commercial service began on 10 June 1999. The operations from the old naval airport were moved to CIAL on 1 July 1999.<ref name="CIAL History">{{cite web|publisher=CIAL |url=http://cochin-airport.in/contents/viewcontent.aspx?linkIdLvl2=51&linkId=51 |title=A Brief History |access-date=12 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101215125022/http://cochin-airport.in/contents/viewcontent.aspx?linkIdLvl2=51&linkId=51 |archive-date=15 December 2010 }}</ref>
===Expansion===
====Phase 1====
The airport had {{convert|18580|m2|sqft|abbr=on}} of floor space at its inauguration. CIAL envisioned four phases of expansion over 20 years, the third phase of which was completed in 2009. The original airport terminal was envisioned to handle just 100 passengers at a time. However, by 2001, the international passenger traffic was growing, making it necessary to redevelop the terminal.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}}
In 2002, the floor area for the international operations of the original building rose due to the completion of a separate domestic terminal, shifting all domestic operations there.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}}
====Phase 2====
{{Multiple image
| align = right
| direction = vertical
| image1 = Cochin_International_Airport_Limited.jpg
| width1 = 220
| alt1 =
| caption1 = Airport main entrance
| image2 =
| width2 = 220
| alt2 =
| caption2 = CIAL Golf and Country Club
| image3 =
| width3 = 220
| alt3 =
| caption3 = CIAL museum
}}
[[File:Tuskerairport.jpg|thumb|A lifelike elephant statue at the arrivals section]]
With a rising number of airlines operating at the airport, CIAL decided to construct{{when|date=April 2025}} an exclusive terminal for domestic operations, namely Terminal 2, making the international one Terminal 1, increasing the floor space for international operations by {{convert|37161|m2|sqft|abbr=on}}.{{citation needed|date=April 2025}}
====Phase 3====
Work on the third phase was intended to accommodate 5 million passenger movements annually and was started in 2007.<ref>[http://www.indiainvites.com/oldisgold/tourism_newsletter/JAN07.htm Travel & Tourism Newsletter, hotels, airlines, destination – January 2007] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100331012013/http://www.indiainvites.com/oldisgold/tourism_newsletter/JAN07.htm |date=31 March 2010 }} {{cite web |url=http://www.indiainvites.com/oldisgold/tourism_newsletter/JAN07.htm |title=Phase 3 expansion |date=14 December 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120905012110/http://www.indiainvites.com/oldisgold/tourism_newsletter/JAN07.htm |archive-date=5 September 2012 }}</ref> The third phase involved the commissioning of a central block, connecting the domestic and international terminals and enlarging the airside area to accommodate more gates and waiting areas along with increased shopping areas. This increased the built-up area by another {{convert|29700|m2|sqft|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/22/stories/2008102260630300.htm |___location=Chennai, India |title=New international departure terminal to be opened soon |date=22 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108090509/http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/22/stories/2008102260630300.htm |archive-date=8 November 2012 |url-status=dead |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=6 November 2010 }}</ref> The airside area of the international arrivals and departures blocks were integrated and glass walls were installed to allow for more natural light. The runway was re-surfaced in 2008.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/03/18/stories/2008031855111900.htm |___location=Chennai, India |title=Flights to Kochi airport to be rescheduled |date=18 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081028195316/http://www.hindu.com/2008/03/18/stories/2008031855111900.htm |archive-date=28 October 2008 |url-status=dead |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=27 October 2010 }}</ref> The number of parking areas was increased from 15 to 24, including three dedicated for cargo airlines. The third phase also completed the expansion of the cargo village and a second aircraft taxiway to the MRO facility.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ciasl.in/Content/viewcontent.aspx?linkId=10&linkLvl1Id=8 |title=Capabilities |publisher=Cochin International Aviation Services |access-date=26 October 2017 |archive-date=26 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026053947/http://www.ciasl.in/Content/viewcontent.aspx?linkId=10&linkLvl1Id=8 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://cial.aero/contents/viewcontent.aspx?linkid=80 |title=About CIAL Overview |publisher=Cochin International Airport |access-date=26 October 2017 |archive-date=26 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026054122/http://cial.aero/contents/viewcontent.aspx?linkid=80 |url-status=live }}</ref>
====Phase 4====
The fourth phase of expansion was originally planned to upgrade the domestic terminal, which has remained untouched in the past three phases.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/01/30/stories/2009013061440300.htm |___location=Chennai, India |title=Rs. 100 crore for airport expansion |date=30 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108073831/http://www.hindu.com/2009/01/30/stories/2009013061440300.htm |archive-date=8 November 2012 |url-status=dead |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=27 October 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://aera.gov.in/airportdetail.php?loc=cochin |title=Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) - Airport Details |publisher=AERA |access-date=10 February 2012 |archive-date=14 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314214051/http://aera.gov.in/airportdetail.php?loc=cochin |url-status=live }}</ref> However, the expansion plans were changed after the new UDF government took over the administration of the state in May 2011.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}}
As per the revised plans, the international terminal is to face a major renovation before being converted completely into a domestic terminal, while a new state-of-the-art international terminal is coming up. As per the new plans announced by the board of directors in September 2011, the new international terminal would come up on the eastern side of the existing structure. The built-up space of the new terminal would be {{convert|1500000|sqft|m2|abbr=on|order=flip}} having segregated departures and arrivals at different levels.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/stateoftheart-terminal-at-cial-soon/article4206359.ece|title=State-of-the-art terminal at CIAL soon|work=The Hindu|access-date=22 February 2013|___location=Chennai, India|date=16 December 2012|archive-date=21 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130121041600/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/stateoftheart-terminal-at-cial-soon/article4206359.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/cial-to-have-new-international-terminal-112121600169_1.html |title=CIAL to have new International terminal – Kochi – The Hindu |newspaper=business-standard.com |access-date=22 February 2013 |archive-date=18 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618004429/http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/cial-to-have-new-international-terminal-112121600169_1.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/states/new-terminal-at-cial-soon/article4206579.ece |title=New terminal at CIAL soon – Kochi – The Hindu Business Line |publisher=thehindubusinessline.com |access-date=22 February 2013 |archive-date=22 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222062640/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/states/new-terminal-at-cial-soon/article4206579.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/cm-new-international-terminal-for-kochi-airport/187297-60-122.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927214412/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/cm-new-international-terminal-for-kochi-airport/187297-60-122.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 September 2011 |title=CM: New international terminal for Kochi airport — National — news — Business Standard |publisher=Ibnlive.in.com |access-date=10 February 2012}}</ref> The new terminal with an elevation featuring [[Kerala]] temple architecture will have all the latest features of international standards. Construction major Larsen & Toubro is building the facility which will be ready within 30 months. The two-level terminal will have provisions for 112 check-in counters, with in-line baggage screening facilities, 100 immigration counters, {{convert|40000|sqft|0|order=flip}} of [[duty-free shop]]s at departure and arrival lounges, 19 boarding gates, 15 aerobridges, six baggage conveyor belts and fully covered alighting and boarding area.<ref name="cial.press">{{cite web |url=http://cial.aero/Pressroom/newsdetails.aspx?news_id=314&news_status=F |title=CIAL |publisher=Cial.aero |date=1 February 2014 |access-date=5 May 2014 |archive-date=22 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222011354/http://cial.aero/Pressroom/newsdetails.aspx?news_id=314&news_status=F |url-status=live }}</ref>
The current domestic terminal would be converted into an "Executive Pavilion" and would handle VIP and private chartered flights and jets. The current international terminal once converted into a domestic terminal, will have 5 [[Jet bridge|aerobridges]] and 10 boarding gates, apart from increased parking bays.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}}
==Management==
Cochin International Airport is the first in India to be built by a [[public–private partnership|public-private partnership]] and is owned by a public limited company called Cochin International Airport Limited, better known as CIAL, created by the Government of Kerala in 1994. The [[Government of Kerala]] holds a 33.36% stake, making it the single largest investor in the project.<ref name="Finace Report">{{cite web|publisher=Comptroller and Auditor General of India |url=http://www.cag.gov.in/MAAG/Kerala_Fin/kerfin08-09.pdf |title=Finance Accounts 2008–09, Govt of Kerala |access-date=14 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721162937/http://www.cag.gov.in/MAAG/Kerala_Fin/kerfin08-09.pdf |archive-date=21 July 2011 }}</ref> [[List of public sector undertakings in India|Indian government companies]] like [[Air India]], [[Bharat Petroleum|BPCL]] and [[Airports Authority of India|AAI]] hold an 8.74% stake, while foreign companies like [[Abu Dhabi]] based [[LuLu Group International|Lulu Group International]], the Oman-based Galfar Group, [[UAE]] based Majeed Bukatara Trading holds a 5.42% stake. Indian companies hold 8.57% stake, while scheduled commercial banks like [[Federal Bank]], [[State Bank of India|SBI]] and [[Canara Bank]] hold 5.91%.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite news|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/cochin-airport-go-initial-public-offering-470 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160209232838/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/cochin-airport-go-initial-public-offering-470 |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 February 2016 |title=Cochin airport to go for initial public offering |newspaper=Deccan Chronicle |access-date=5 May 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Nedumudy|first=Vinod|date=12 February 2018|title=M A Yusuffali bags 71 lakh more CIAL shares|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/120218/m-a-yusuffali-bags-71-lakh-more-cial-shares.html|access-date=20 August 2020|website=Deccan Chronicle|language=en|archive-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112021721/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/120218/m-a-yusuffali-bags-71-lakh-more-cial-shares.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Tatas' Air India Takeover: New Stake in Cochin Airport |url=https://unlistedzone.com/windfall-gain-for-tatas-take-over-of-air-india-brings-a-stake-in-cochin-airport |access-date=9 June 2025 |website=unlistedzone.com}}</ref> The remaining 38.03% stake is held by more than 10,000 personal investors from 29 countries, mostly non-resident Indians.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=CIAL |url=http://cochin-airport.in/contents/viewcontent.aspx?linkIdLvl2=55&linkId=55 |title=Investor Info |access-date=14 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101215124902/http://cochin-airport.in/contents/viewcontent.aspx?linkIdLvl2=55&linkId=55 |archive-date=15 December 2010 }}</ref>
The company has decided to go for a [[Initial public offering|public offering]] and give 10 million shares to [[Housing and Urban Development Corporation|HUDCO]] as part of a debt settlement, which would to lead HUDCO having a 3.37% stake in the company and a reduction of the stake of other holders.<ref name=autogenerated1 />
The [[Chief Minister of Kerala]] is the ex-officio chairman of CIAL.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cochin International Airport |url=https://www.cial.aero/Corporate |access-date=9 June 2025 |website=www.cial.aero}}</ref>
==Terminals==
[[File:Kochi airport terminal 1.jpg|thumb|Terminal 1 at CIAL]]
Cochin International Airport has three main terminals: two domestic and one international. There is also a cargo terminal.
{{multiple image
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| caption1 = Check-in counters at Terminal 1
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| caption2 = Check-in counters at the former Terminal 2.
| image3 = Cochin International Airport Terminal 3 departure area, 23 May 2017 (2).jpg
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| caption3 = Terminal 3 airside departures area
| image4 = View of elephants inside Cochin International Airport.jpg
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| caption4 = Inside the Terminal 3 landside departures area, with statues depicting the famous [[Thrissur Pooram]] festival
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===Terminal 1 (Domestic)===
Terminal 1 was formerly the international terminal until the operations were shifted to the new international Terminal 3. The terminal underwent a massive upgrade and renovation after that, which took its total handling capacity to 4,000 passengers per hour which is 5 times the previous capacity. The renovated Terminal 1 was opened to travellers on 12 December 2018.<ref name="T1">{{cite news |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2018/dec/06/ethnic-charm-awaits-travellers-at-airport-1907879.html |title=Ethnic charm awaits travellers at Cochin International Airport |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |date=16 December 2018 |access-date=9 December 2018 |archive-date=9 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209123622/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2018/dec/06/ethnic-charm-awaits-travellers-at-airport-1907879.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
With a total built-up area of {{convert|600000|sqft|0|abbr=on|order=flip}},<ref name="T1" /> Terminal 1 has 56 check-in counters, 7 aerobridges and a conveyor belt system to transfer baggage from 12 flights at a time. It is also equipped with 6 reserve lounges, an art area, a food court, an executive lounge, and a {{convert|50000|sqft|0|adj=on|order=flip}} shopping area.<ref name="T1" /> The terminal has a solar carport facility that can generate 2.4 MW<ref>{{Cite web|title=2.4 MWp, Solar Power Plant Kerala, India - Solar Rooftop Project|url=https://sterlingandwilsonre.com/businesses/project/Solar-Power-Plant-2.4-MWp-Kerala|access-date=16 November 2021|website=Sterling and Wilson Solar|language=en|archive-date=16 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211116103227/https://www.sterlingandwilsonre.com/businesses/project/Solar-Power-Plant-2.4-MWp-Kerala|url-status=live}}</ref> of power and can house 1,400 cars. Together with the solar carport at the International Terminal 3, it can generate 5.1 MW of power which is the largest carport in the world.<ref name="Carport" />
===Terminal 2 (Executive)===
Terminal 2 has an area of {{convert|10000|m2|sqft|abbr=on}} and is designed to handle up to 400 passengers at peak times. The departure hall has 26 common use terminal equipment (CUTE) enabled check-in counters, including 6 premium check-in counters, 4 self check in counters. It has 6 security gates and a common waiting area that can accommodate 400 passengers at a time. There is also a family lounge and a premium lounge for [[business class]] passengers and a food court is housed in the waiting area, while a restaurant operates in entry lobby. There are 4 remote gates facility available for domestic passengers. The arrivals hall has 2 baggage carousels.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cial.aero/contents/viewcontent.aspx?linkIdLvl2=86&linkId=86 |title=The Official Website of Cochin International Airport |publisher=Cial.aero |access-date=8 January 2014 |archive-date=8 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140208052101/http://cial.aero/contents/viewcontent.aspx?linkIdLvl2=86&linkId=86 |url-status=live }}</ref> This block was converted into an executive terminal on 12 December 2018.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}}
===Terminal 3 (International)===
The new international Terminal 3 was opened to travellers in March 2017. The theme of the terminal is inspired by [[Thrissur Pooram]] and is built in traditional Kerala architecture. 15 real-size fibre elephants, adorning traditional costumes welcome the travellers at the departure facility area. The terminal has 5 entry gates, 84 check-in counters and 80 [[immigration]] counters. It is equipped with 10 [[escalators]], 21 [[elevators]], and 3 [[moving walkways]].<ref name="CIALT3">{{cite news|url=http://cial.aero/userfiles/cialwebsite/T3-Details.pdf|title=Cochin International Airport - Terminal 3|work=CIAL|access-date=9 December 2018|archive-date=19 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219160818/http://cial.aero/userfiles/cialwebsite/T3-Details.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The terminal has a solar carport facility with a capacity of generating 2.7 MW power and can provide a parking facility for 1,400 cars. Along with the solar carport at the domestic Terminal 1, it is the largest solar carport in the world with a total capacity of 5.1 MW of power and a parking facility for 2,800 cars.<ref name="Carport">{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/090218/worlds-largest-carport-in-kochi.html|title=World's largest carport in Kochi|work=[[Deccan Chronicle]]|date=9 February 2018|access-date=9 December 2018|archive-date=9 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209125333/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/090218/worlds-largest-carport-in-kochi.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
With a total area of more than {{convert|150000|m2|0|abbr=on}}, the terminal is built over four levels. The ground level handles arrivals. With a total ground area of around {{convert|41156|m2|0|abbr=on}}, it has 10 customs counters, three bank counters, a shopping complex for the passengers and the general public, a VIP lounge, arrival duty-free shops and a baggage claim area.<ref name="CIALT3" /> The second level (5.5 metres above ground level) also handles arrivals and is equipped with 30 immigration counters, 10 e-T-Visa counters, five health check counters, and two moving walkways.<ref name="CIALT3" /> The third level (10.5 metres above ground level) is the departure facility area. It has a {{convert|20836|m2|0|abbr=on}} check-in area, three check-in islands having a total of 84 counters, 40 emigration counters, an {{convert|800|m2|0|adj=on}} departure duty-free shop, three VIP reserved lounges, airline offices, two prayer rooms, and a moving walkway. The fourth level (15.5 metres above ground level) is the departure security hold area. With an area of more than {{convert|8674|m2|0|abbr=on}}, it has a food court, restaurant, three airline executive lounges, smoking lounge, bar and reclining area.<ref name="CIALT3" />
With the commissioning of Terminal 3, Cochin International Airport became India's 4th largest airport after [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Delhi]], [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport|Mumbai]], and [[Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport|Kolkata]], with a total built up area of more than {{convert|2300000|sqft|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} for commercial operations.
===Cargo center===
Cochin Airport has a dedicated cargo center on the eastern side of the complex. The cargo center is one of the largest facilities in India with a total floor space of {{convert|120000|sqft|m2|abbr=on|order=flip}} in {{convert|50|acre|0|order=flip}} of land. There are three complexes in the cargo village:
* The Centre for Dry Cargo (CDC), with an area of {{convert|50000|sqft|m2|abbr=on|order=flip}}, has a dedicated warehousing facility and air-customs inspection facility for both import and export.<ref name="Cargo1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.cochin-airport.in/contents/viewcontent.aspx?linkIdLvl2=26&linkId=26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090701021515/http://www.cochin-airport.in/contents/viewcontent.aspx?linkIdLvl2=26&linkId=26|url-status=dead|title=Cargo facilities at Cochin Airport|archive-date=1 July 2009|access-date=20 December 2019}}</ref>
* The Centre for Perishable Cargo (CPC) is the largest dedicated cold storage center for perishable goods in India. It has a floor area of about {{convert|22000|sqft|m2|abbr=on|order=flip}} and can handle approximately 25,000 tonnes of cargo. It was commissioned in 2008 at a cost of {{INRConvert|380|m}} jointly by CIAL, the [[Government of India]] through the Agricultural and Food Promotion Export Development Authority (APEDA), and the Government of Kerala.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rana |first=Karvi |date=16 December 2023 |title=Cargo Service Center broadens operations in Kerala |url=https://www.logisticsinsider.in/csc-broadens-operations-in-kerala/ |access-date=19 March 2024 |website=Logistics Insider |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.freshplaza.com/news_detail.asp?id=37952 |title=Cochin Airport to have largest perishable cargo centre in India |publisher=Freshplaza.com |access-date=5 May 2014 |archive-date=25 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525035143/http://www.freshplaza.com/news_detail.asp?id=37952 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|reason=commercially edited website|date=July 2011}}
* The Transshipment Cargo Complex is a dedicated warehouse allocated for transshipment cargo. The import and export cargo from the customs warehouses in the catchment area, as well as from airports like Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore, etc., are handled and stored at this center for export.<ref name="Cargo1"/>
In addition, an exclusive domestic cargo complex has also been constructed for private domestic logistics firms and [[India Post]] services.<ref>{{Cite news |date=11 April 2023 |title=New cargo terminal at Cial to be inaugurated by September |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/new-cargo-terminal-at-cial-to-be-inaugurated-by-september/articleshow/99394483.cms |access-date=19 March 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Chief Minister to launch seven CIAL mega projects on October 2 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/chief-minister-to-launch-seven-cial-mega-projects-on-october-2/article67344311.ece |work=The Hindu |issn=0971-751X |date=25 September 2023 |access-date=16 April 2024}}</ref>{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}}
===Business Jet Terminal===
According to CIAL, it is now only the fourth airport in [[India]] with a terminal for [[business jet]]s. The terminal is expected to provide customised services to charter and private jets.<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 March 2024 |title=Cial's business jet terminal handles 1k flights in 14 mnts |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/cochin-international-airports-business-jet-terminal-handles-1000-flights-in-just-14-months/articleshow/108507455.cms |access-date=19 March 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}}
==== 0484 Aero Lounge ====
Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) unveiled India's largest aero lounge on 1 September 2024. The facility, spanning 50,000 square feet, offers a range of amenities including guest rooms, boardrooms, conference halls, co-working spaces, and a lounge accessible to both passengers and visitors.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aero lounge at Kochi airport to be launched on September 1 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/aero-lounge-at-kochi-airport-to-be-launched-on-september-1/article68575750.ece |access-date=29 August 2024 |website=thehindu.com|date=28 August 2024 }}</ref>the Kerala Aviation Summit will be hosted here on 25th and 26th of August 2025.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Kerala Aviation Summit to be held at Cial on Aug 23 & 24 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/kerala-aviation-summit-to-be-held-at-cial-on-aug-23-24/amp_articleshow/123417744.cms |access-date=2025-08-21 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
==Infrastructure==
[[File:Cochin international airport terminal.jpg|thumb|Airport present view from terminal{{clarify|reason=Is this a view of the terminal, or from the terminal? Which Terminal? (Main, No.1,2,3?) |date=February 2025}}]]
===Air traffic control===
The [[air traffic control]] (ATC) tower is {{convert|60|m|ft|abbr=on}} tall. Cochin ATC controls flights below an altitude of {{convert|25500|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}}. The airport has two [[instrument landing system]]s (ILS) using [[distance measuring equipment]] (DME) which enable flights to land from both sides of the runway even in rough weather conditions. CIAL is the only airport in the country besides the airport in metros to have such a facility.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/110518/cochin-international-airport-ltd-installs-second-instrument-landing-sy.html |title=Cochin International Airport Ltd installs second Instrument Landing System |newspaper=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |date=11 May 2018 |access-date=4 July 2018 |archive-date=4 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704064220/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/110518/cochin-international-airport-ltd-installs-second-instrument-landing-sy.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The ATC uses Doppler VHF omni range I and II.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cial.aero/contents/viewcontent.aspx?linkIdLvl2=6&linkid=97 |title=The Official Website of Cochin International Airport |publisher=Cial.aero |access-date=10 February 2012 |archive-date=25 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425050142/http://www.cial.aero/contents/viewcontent.aspx?linkIdLvl2=6&linkid=97 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Large-scale upgrades such as the latest AIRCON 2100 air traffic control automation system were also introduced.<ref name="IBN 2013">{{cite news|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/new-radar-to-be-commissioned-at-kochi-airport-friday/421589-62-126.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130917014956/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/new-radar-to-be-commissioned-at-kochi-airport-friday/421589-62-126.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 September 2013|title=New radar to be commissioned at Kochi airport Friday|date=12 September 2013|publisher=IBN Live|agency=Press Trust of India|access-date=31 August 2014}}</ref>
===Airport surveillance radar===
The [[Airports Authority of India]] has installed an advanced [[airport surveillance radar]] (ASR) as well as monopulse secondary surveillance radar (MSSR).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aai.aero/departments/southern_reg_main.jsp |title=Airports Authority of India |publisher=Aai.aero |date=30 January 2012 |access-date=10 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140624171120/http://www.aai.aero/departments/southern_reg_main.jsp |archive-date=24 June 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/New-radar-for-Kochi-airport-in-6-months/articleshow/9842622.cms | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907222822/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-09-03/kochi/30109700_1_cochin-airport-airport-runway-new-radar | url-status=live | archive-date=7 September 2011 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=New radar for Kochi airport in 6 months | date=3 September 2011}}</ref> In addition, a surface movement radar was installed for effective monitoring of flights on the runway and in parking bays.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2495816.ece | ___location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | title=CIAL to install radar at airport | date=29 September 2011 | access-date=5 October 2011 | archive-date=24 December 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224105358/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2495816.ece | url-status=live }}</ref>
===Runway===
[[File:Flights parked at the Cochin International Airport.jpg|thumb|Apron area of Terminal 3 of the airport, with planes from [[SriLankan Airlines]], [[Emirates (airline)|Emirates]], [[Qatar Airways]] and [[Air India]].]]
Cochin International Airport has one 3,445m long [[runway]] oriented as 27/09, which can handle Code E planes. It has a full-length parallel taxiway of {{convert|3445|m|ft|abbr=on}}. The {{Convert|807|x|125|m|abbr=on}} apron comprising 16 stands can accommodate five wide-bodied and eight-narrow bodied aircraft.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cial.aero/contents/viewcontent.aspx?linkIdLvl2=6&linkid=91 |title=The Official Website of Cochin International Airport |publisher=Cial.aero |access-date=10 February 2012 |archive-date=25 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425050152/http://www.cial.aero/contents/viewcontent.aspx?linkIdLvl2=6&linkid=91 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.world-airport-codes.com/india/kochi-1556.html |title=Kochi Airport (COK) Details – India |publisher=World-airport-codes.com |access-date=10 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217172058/http://www.world-airport-codes.com/india/kochi-1556.html |archive-date=17 February 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://theairdb.com/airport/COK.html |title=Kochi (COK) - Airport details |publisher=Theairdb.com |access-date=10 February 2012 |archive-date=4 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104095606/http://www.theairdb.com/airport/COK.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The runway is spread over the [[Panchayati raj in India|panchayat]] areas of [[Nedumbassery]], Sreemoolanagaram and Kanjoor.
Cochin Airport has one helipad for dedicated use of helicopters, meant for air-taxi purposes. Plans for constructing a heliport are underway.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Heli taxi service launched at Kochi airport|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2010/oct/10/heli-taxi-service-launched-at-kochi-airport-193954.html|access-date=9 February 2022|website=The New Indian Express|date=16 May 2012 |archive-date=9 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209141338/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2010/oct/10/heli-taxi-service-launched-at-kochi-airport-193954.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Naval Air Enclave===
[[File:Naval Air Enclave at Cochin International Airport operationalised (1).jpg|thumb|Naval Air Enclave at the airport]]
The Indian Navy has set up a Naval Aircraft Enclave at Cochin International Airport Ltd. (CIAL). The Naval Aircraft Enclave comprises a hangar for bigger aircraft of the Navy, an administrative office, a disbursal center, an apron capable of holding two Boeing-type aircraft (P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft) and a taxi track. The Naval Aircraft Enclave at Cochin airport is the second such facility of the Navy attached to an international airport, after [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport|Mumbai]]. It is the first public-private participation model airport to hand over land to the Navy for such a facility.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}}
Construction began in 2013 on {{convert|10|acre|0|order=flip}} of Navy-owned land at the airport.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Aircraft-enclave-for-Navy-at-Cial/articleshow/19487512.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130416082018/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-04-11/kochi/38462783_1_indian-navy-cochin-international-airport-limited-cial |url-status=live |archive-date=16 April 2013 |title=Aircraft enclave for Navy at Cial|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=11 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/cial-to-have-naval-aircraft-enclave/article4602630.ece |title=CIAL to have Naval Aircraft Enclave | Business Line |publisher=Thehindubusinessline.com |date=10 April 2013 |access-date=8 January 2014 |archive-date=12 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130412194456/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/cial-to-have-naval-aircraft-enclave/article4602630.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Indian Coast Guard Air Enclave===
The [[Indian Coast Guard]] has taken space in CIAL to develop its second air squadron in Kochi after the INS Garuda facility to improve coastal air surveillance and air-related assistance.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}}
The facility comprises two hangars to accommodate the Chetak helicopter squadron, and the Dornier squadron along with advanced light helicopters are expected to be based here. The Air Enclave would have a 50m taxi link to the runway at CIAL and would consist of aircraft hangars, technical areas and administrative buildings.<ref>{{cite web |author=Chacko Joseph |url=http://brutegorilla.blogspot.in/2010/01/foundation-stone-laying-of-indian-coast.html |title=Brute Gorilla: Foundation Stone Laying of Indian Coast Guard Air Enclave, Kochi |publisher=Brutegorilla.blogspot.in |date=9 January 2010 |access-date=1 December 2016 |archive-date=17 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161017024543/http://brutegorilla.blogspot.in/2010/01/foundation-stone-laying-of-indian-coast.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Airlines and destinations==
===Passenger===
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{{Airport destination list
|{{nowrap|[[Air Arabia]]}} | [[Abu Dhabi International Airport|Abu Dhabi]], [[Sharjah International Airport|Sharjah]]
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|{{nowrap|[[Air India]]}} | [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Delhi]], [[Hamad International Airport|Doha]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Velani|first=Bhavya|title=Air India Launches New Flights between Kochi and Doha|url=https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2023/10/01/air-india-launches-new-flights-between-kochi-and-doha/|work=Aviation A2Z|date=1 October 2023|access-date=1 October 2023|language=en|archive-date=5 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005220514/https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2023/10/01/air-india-launches-new-flights-between-kochi-and-doha/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai–International]], [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport|Mumbai]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Air India Kochi-Mumbai flight slightly veers off while landing, runway damage reported |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-india-kochi-mumbai-flight-slightly-veers-off-runway-while-landing/articleshow/122809146.cms |work=The Economic Times |date=21 July 2025 |access-date=6 August 2025}}</ref>
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|{{nowrap|[[Air India Express]]}} | [[Abu Dhabi International Airport|Abu Dhabi]], [[Bahrain International Airport|Bahrain]], [[Kempegowda International Airport|Bengaluru]], [[Biju Patnaik Airport|Bhubaneswar]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2024/11/24/air-india-express-add-new-routes-from-bhubaneshwar/|title=Air India Express to Add Three New Routes from Bhubaneshwar|work=aviationa2z|date=24 November 2024 |access-date=24 November 2024}}</ref> [[Chennai International Airport|Chennai]], [[King Fahd International Airport|Dammam]], [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Delhi]], [[Hamad International Airport|Doha]], [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai–International]], [[Rajiv Gandhi International Airport|Hyderabad]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/AviationAll_/status/1714628632344236339|title=Air India Express to expand flights from Hyderabad|work=AviationAll|accessdate=18 October 2023}}</ref>{{better source needed|independent source needed|date=October 2024}} [[Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport|Kolkata]], [[Kuwait International Airport|Kuwait City]], [[Muscat International Airport|Muscat]], [[Pune Airport|Pune]], [[King Khalid International Airport|Riyadh]], [[Salalah International Airport|Salalah]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://centreforaviation.com/news/air-india-express-to-resume-cochin-salalah-service-from-apr-2023-1192202|title=Air India Express to resume Cochin-Salalah service from Apr-2023|work=CAPA|accessdate=21 March 2023|archive-date=19 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230519054425/https://centreforaviation.com/news/air-india-express-to-resume-cochin-salalah-service-from-apr-2023-1192202|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Sharjah International Airport|Sharjah]], [[Tiruchirappalli International Airport|Tiruchirappalli]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Air India Express NS25 Domestic Network Additions – 20APR25 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250421-ixns25in |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=21 April 2025}}</ref>
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|{{nowrap|[[AirAsia]]}} | [[Kuala Lumpur International Airport|Kuala Lumpur–International]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250312-akns25int|title=AirAsia NS25 International Service Reductions|website=AeroRoutes|accessdate=6 August 2025}}</ref>
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|{{nowrap|[[Akasa Air]]}} | [[King Abdulaziz International Airport|Jeddah]],<ref>{{cite web |last1=Liu |first1=Jim |title=Akasa Air Schedules Kochi – Jeddah May 2025 Launch |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250409-qpns25cokjed |website=aeroroutes.com |publisher=Aeroroutes |access-date=10 April 2025}}</ref> [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport|Mumbai]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Akasa Air Flight Network|url=https://www.akasaair.com/fly-with-akasa/flight-schedule|website=Akasa Air|access-date=15 June 2023|archive-date=28 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628063357/https://www.akasaair.com/fly-with-akasa/flight-schedule|url-status=live}}</ref>{{better source needed|independent source needed|date=October 2024}}
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|{{nowrap|[[Alliance Air (India)|Alliance Air]]}} | [[Agatti Airport|Agatti]], [[Kempegowda International Airport|Bengaluru]], [[Salem Airport (India)|Salem]]<ref>{{cite news|last=Sivapriyan|first=E.T.B.|title=Salem Airport resumes operation with inaugural flight from Bengaluru|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/tamil-nadu/salem-airport-resumes-operation-with-inaugural-flight-from-bengaluru-2729001|work=Deccan Herald|date=16 October 2023|access-date=16 October 2023|language=en|archive-date=22 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022094232/https://www.deccanherald.com/india/tamil-nadu/salem-airport-resumes-operation-with-inaugural-flight-from-bengaluru-2729001|url-status=live}}</ref>
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|{{nowrap|[[Batik Air Malaysia]]}} | [[Kuala Lumpur International Airport|Kuala Lumpur–International]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aeroroutes.com/eng/220609-od3q22in|title=Batik Air Malaysia 3Q 2022 India restorations|access-date=10 June 2022|archive-date=25 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525111635/https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/220609-od3q22in|url-status=live}}</ref>
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|{{nowrap|[[Emirates (airline)|Emirates]]}} | [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai–International]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.emirates.com/english/destinations/flights-to-kochi.aspx|title=Cochin|publisher=[[Emirates Airlines|Emirates]]|access-date=1 February 2022|archive-date=5 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405155005/https://www.emirates.com/english/destinations/flights-to-kochi.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>"https://traveltradejournal.com/emirates-celebrates-20-years-of-service-to-cochin/</ref>
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|{{nowrap|[[Etihad Airways]]}} | [[Abu Dhabi International Airport|Abu Dhabi]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.etihad.com/en-in/destinations|title=Our network|publisher=[[Etihad Airways]]|access-date=1 February 2022|archive-date=23 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230523212700/https://www.etihad.com/en-in/destinations|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250721-eynw25|title=Etihad NW25 Operation Changes – 20JUL25|website=AeroRoutes|accessdate=6 August 2025}}</ref>
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|{{nowrap|[[Flydubai]]}} | [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai–International]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flydubai.com/en/destinations/indian-subcontinent/india/kochi|title=Welcome to Kochi|publisher=[[Fly Dubai]]|access-date=1 February 2022|archive-date=29 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529212336/https://www.flydubai.com/en/destinations/indian-subcontinent/india/kochi|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>"https://www.onmanorama.com/travel/travel-news/2021/08/06/fly-dubai-uae.htm</ref>
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|{{nowrap|[[Gulf Air]]}} | [[Bahrain International Airport|Bahrain]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gulfair.com/flights/destination-guide/kochi|title=Kochi|publisher=[[Gulf Air]]|access-date=3 February 2022|archive-date=5 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405155017/https://www.gulfair.com/flights/destination-guide/kochi|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.traveldailymedia.com/gulf-air-makes-new-changes-for-flights-to-india-for-summer-2025/|title=Gulf Air makes new changes for flights to India|first=Kanchan|last=Nath|date=7 January 2025|accessdate=6 August 2025}}</ref>
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|{{nowrap|[[IndiGo]]}} | [[Abu Dhabi International Airport|Abu Dhabi]], [[Agatti Airport|Agatti]],<ref name="gobook">{{cite web|title=Flight Schedule|url=https://www.goindigo.in/bookings/flight-select.html|website=IndiGo|access-date=8 April 2024}}</ref> [[Ahmedabad Airport|Ahmedabad]], [[Bahrain International Airport|Bahrain]] (ends 20 September 2025){{cn|date=August 2025}}, [[Kempegowda International Airport|Bengaluru]], [[Chennai International Airport|Chennai]], [[King Fahd International Airport|Dammam]](ends 19 September 2025){{cn|date=August 2025}}, [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Delhi]], [[Hamad International Airport|Doha]], [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai–International]], [[Dabolim Airport|Goa–Dabolim]], [[Rajiv Gandhi International Airport|Hyderabad]], [[Kannur International Airport|Kannur]], [[Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport|Kolkata]], [[Calicut International Airport|Kozhikode]],<ref name="gobook"/> [[Kuwait International Airport|Kuwait City]], [[Velana International Airport|Malé]], [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport|Mumbai]], [[Muscat International Airport|Muscat]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.zawya.com/en/business/travel-and-tourism/indigo-to-resume-flights-from-muscat-in-may-ymglyptc|title=Indigo to resume flights from Muscat in May|publisher=[[Zawya]]|access-date=3 April 2022|archive-date=7 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407100728/https://www.zawya.com/en/business/travel-and-tourism/indigo-to-resume-flights-from-muscat-in-may-ymglyptc|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Pune Airport|Pune]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://travel.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/aviation/domestic/indigo-launches-new-flights-between-pune-dehradun-kochi-raipur-also-connected-via-goa/96930623|title=Indigo started flights to Raipur|publisher=[[The Economic Times]]|access-date=24 March 2023|archive-date=24 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324125835/https://travel.economictimes.indiatimes.com/amp/news/aviation/domestic/indigo-launches-new-flights-between-pune-dehradun-kochi-raipur-also-connected-via-goa/96930623|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Ras Al Khaimah International Airport|Ras Al Khaimah]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Liu|first=Jim|title=IndiGo March 2025 International Network Additions|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250303-6emar25int|website=AeroRoutes|date=3 March 2025}}</ref> [[Thiruvananthapuram International Airport|Thiruvananthapuram]]
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| {{nowrap|[[Jazeera Airways]]}} | [[Kuwait International Airport|Kuwait City]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jazeeraairways.com/en-kw/flights-to-kochi|title=Cheap Flights to Kochi|publisher=[[Jazeera Airways]]|access-date=3 April 2022|archive-date=6 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406093429/https://www.jazeeraairways.com/en-kw/flights-to-kochi|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| {{nowrap|[[Kuwait Airways]]}} | [[Kuwait International Airport|Kuwait City]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kuwaitairways.com/en/destinations/Pages/Indian-SubContinent.aspx|title=Indian Sub-continent Flights|publisher=[[Kuwait Airways]]|access-date=1 February 2022|archive-date=7 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307121356/https://www.kuwaitairways.com/en/destinations/Pages/Indian-SubContinent.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>
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|{{nowrap|[[Malaysia Airlines]]}} | [[Kuala Lumpur International Airport|Kuala Lumpur–International]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Malaysia Airlines resumes services from CIAL |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/malaysia-airlines-resumes-services-from-cial/article66215422.ece |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=2 December 2022 |access-date=3 December 2022 |archive-date=31 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231234114/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/malaysia-airlines-resumes-services-from-cial/article66215422.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>
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|[[Maldivian (airline)|Maldivian]] | [[Velana International Airport|Malé]]<br>'''Seasonal:''' [[Hanimaadhoo International Airport|Hanimaadhoo]]
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|{{nowrap|[[Oman Air]]}} | [[Muscat International Airport|Muscat]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.omanair.com/au/en/oman-air-destinations|title=Our Destinations|publisher=[[Oman Air]]|access-date=1 February 2022|archive-date=28 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128132618/https://www.omanair.com/au/en/oman-air-destinations|url-status=live}}</ref>
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|{{nowrap|[[Qatar Airways]]}} | [[Hamad International Airport|Doha]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.qatarairways.com/dapp/discovery/?origin=DOH&destination=COK|title=Kochi, India|publisher=[[Qatar Airways]]|access-date=3 February 2022|archive-date=5 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405155005/https://www.qatarairways.com/dapp/discovery/?origin=DOH&destination=COK|url-status=live}}</ref>
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|{{nowrap|[[Saudia]]}} | [[King Abdulaziz International Airport|Jeddah]], [[King Khalid International Airport|Riyadh]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=1 December 2021|title=Saudi Arabia's flight ban ends for travelers from India, Egypt, Patan|url=https://arab.news/j3ryq|access-date=9 February 2022|website=Arab News|language=en|archive-date=7 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407163318/https://arab.news/j3ryq|url-status=live}}</ref>
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|{{nowrap|[[Singapore Airlines]]}} | [[Changi Airport|Singapore]]<ref name=SIA>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/singapore-airlines-to-resume-operations-from-kochi-on-november-30/article37736394.ece|title=Singapore Airlines to resume operations from Kochi on November 30|date=28 November 2021|access-date=30 November 2021|archive-date=6 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406185546/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/singapore-airlines-to-resume-operations-from-kochi-on-november-30/article37736394.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>
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|{{nowrap|[[SpiceJet]]}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://corporate.spicejet.com/schedules.aspx|title=SpiceJet's Flight Schedule and Information|website=[[SpiceJet]]|access-date=14 July 2024}}</ref> |[[Chennai International Airport|Chennai]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Kochi-bound Spicejet flight returns, makes emergency landing in Chennai |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/kochi-bound-spicejet-flight-returns-makes-emergency-landing-in-chennai/article68964321.ece |work=The Hindu |date=9 December 2024 |access-date=6 August 2025}}</ref> [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai–International]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/01/30/top-20-busiest-routes-of-spicejet-airlines/|title=Top 20 Busiest Routes of SpiceJet Airlines|first=Kashyap|last=Velani|work=Aviation A2Z |date=30 January 2025|accessdate=6 August 2025}}</ref> [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport|Mumbai]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}} <br> '''Seasonal:''' [[Fujairah International Airport|Fujairah]]<ref>{{cite web |title=SpiceJet Adds Seasonal Fujairah Service From June 2025 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250604-sgjun25fjr |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref>
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|{{nowrap|[[SriLankan Airlines]]}} | [[Bandaranaike International Airport|Colombo–Bandaranaike]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.srilankan.com/en_uk/plan-and-book/flight-routes|title=Route Map|publisher=[[SriLankan Airlines]]|access-date=2 February 2022|archive-date=8 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608121800/https://www.srilankan.com/en_uk/plan-and-book/flight-routes|url-status=live}}</ref>
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|{{nowrap|[[Thai AirAsia]]}}| [[Don Mueang International Airport|Bangkok–Don Mueang]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://newsroom.airasia.com/news/airasia-resuming-flights-to-7-countries-on-18-routes-this-april-fly-easy-with-no-quarantine-needed|title=AirAsia Resumes Flights to Seven Countries on 18 Routes this April! Fly Easy with No Quarantine|date=14 March 2022|access-date=26 March 2022|archive-date=18 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018065647/https://newsroom.airasia.com/news/airasia-resuming-flights-to-7-countries-on-18-routes-this-april-fly-easy-with-no-quarantine-needed|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Phuket International Airport|Phuket]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://newsroom.airasia.com/news/airasia-further-enhances-phuket-to-india-connectivity-with-latest-route-to-kochi#gsc.tab=0|title=AirAsia further enhances Phuket to India connectivity with latest route to Kochi Visit the Queen of the Arabian Sea city from only 3,690 THB |date=20 January 2025 }}</ref>
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|[[Thai Airways]] | [[Suvarnabhumi Airport|Bangkok–Suvarnabhumi]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Hello : Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Kochi|url=https://www.thaiairways.com/en/New-Route/Kochi|website=[[Thai Airways]]|access-date=5 March 2024}}</ref>
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|[[Thai Lion Air]] | [[Don Mueang International Airport|Bangkok–Don Mueang]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Hello : Bangkok (Don Mueang) to Kochi|url=https://www.lionairthai.com/en/New-Route/Kochi|website=[[Thai Lion Air]]|access-date=5 March 2024}}</ref>
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|[[VietJet Air]] | [[Tan Son Nhat International Airport|Ho Chi Minh City]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230522-vjaug23cok|title=VietJet Air Expands India Network in August 2023|work=Aeroroutes|accessdate=22 May 2023|archive-date=22 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522174249/https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230522-vjaug23cok|url-status=live}}</ref>
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}}
===Cargo===
The following cargo airlines fly to the airport:
{{div col |colwidth=18em}}
* [[SpiceJet|SpiceXpress]]
{{div col end}}
==Statistics==
{{Airport-Statistics|iata=COK}}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:right; width:400px"
|+ Traffic by financial year
|-
! style="width:100px"|Financial year !! style="width:100px"| Passengers !! style="width:100px"| Change from previous year !! style="width:100px"| Aircraft operations !! style="width:100px"| Cargo tonnage<ref>Total cargo (freight, express, & mail)</ref>
|-
!2023-24
|10,365,655 || {{increase}}{{0}}17.6% || 67,469 || 59,974
|-
!2022-23
|8,812,531 || {{increase}}{{0}}86.8% || 58,278 || 56,773
|-
!2021-22
|4,717,777 || {{increase}}{{0}}91.9% || 22,929 || 55,484
|-
!2020-21
|2,458,458|| {{decrease}}{{0}}74.5% || 24,912 || N/A
|-
!2019-20
|9,624,334 || {{decrease}}{{0}}4.9% || 66,106 || N/A
|-
!2018-19
|10,201,089 || {{increase}}{{0}}0.75% || 71,057 || N/A
|-
!2017-18
|10,172,839 || {{increase}}{{0}}13.6% || 68,772 || 76,274
|-
!2016-17
|8,955,441 || {{increase}}{{0}}16.4% || 61,688 || 81,485
|-
!2015-16
|7,749,901 || {{increase}}{{0}}21.0% || 56,180|| 79,233
|-
!2014-15
|6,411,711 || {{increase}}{{0}}19.0% || 52,793|| 64,935
|-
!2013-14
|5,390,000 || {{increase}}{{0}}10.0% || 47,072|| 54,440
|}
==Security==
Cochin International Airport is listed among the 12 major airports of India. Its safety and security is handled by the [[Airport security#India|Bureau of Civil Aviation Security]] through the [[Central Industrial Security Force#Airport security|Central Industrial Security Force]] (CISF). Cochin was the third international airport and the first private airport in the country to come under the cover of CISF in 2001,{{citation needed|date=January 2011}} after the Government of India decided to hand over airport security to CISF in the wake of the hijacking of [[Indian Airlines Flight 814]]. Security was handled by the Kerala Police; Special Branch of [[Kochi City Police|Kochi Police]] before the CISF. The airport company's Aviation Safety Wing (ASW) oversees security facilities and equipment. The ASW is also responsible for fire and emergency services.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}}
Security management training is provided by CIAL's Aviation Academy and personnel are employed by the company as security agents – deployed in baggage screening rooms, entry gates, the general cargo area and the lounge areas. CIAL ASW employs [[Indian Army|Army]]-trained sniffer dogs to check for explosives in baggage areas, the only Indian airport to have such a facility.<ref>[http://www.passengerterminaltoday.com/news.php?NewsID=551 Passenger Terminal Today] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715050629/http://www.passengerterminaltoday.com/news.php?NewsID=551 |date=15 July 2011 }} {{cite web |url=http://www.passengerterminaltoday.com/news.php?NewsID=551 |title=Sniffer dogs at airport |date=14 December 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20110715050629/http://www.passengerterminaltoday.com/news.php?NewsID=551 |archive-date=15 July 2011 }}</ref> CIAL has introduced three state-of-the-art ION scanning detectors that can identify small amounts of material, down to nanograms, of explosives.<ref>{{Cite web|title=CIAL introduces ION Scan|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2008/nov/23/cial-introduces-ion-scan-1713.html|access-date=9 February 2022|website=The New Indian Express|date=14 May 2012 |archive-date=9 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209141338/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2008/nov/23/cial-introduces-ion-scan-1713.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
The airport is under the direct protection of the [[Kochi City Police]], who have a station outside the terminal. CISF maintains two armed squadrons and one bomb detection and disposal squad.<ref>{{cite news |author=KERALA |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/bdds-to-enhance-security-at-cochin-airport/article3046163.ece |title=BDDS to enhance security at Cochin airport - KERALA |newspaper=The Hindu |access-date=1 December 2016 |archive-date=10 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310094643/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/bdds-to-enhance-security-at-cochin-airport/article3046163.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> CISF has a command center 250metres outside the terminal, with an intelligence division and mobilisation cell. The air customs division operates a narcotics detection squad in the terminal. The CIAL ASWs are working on installing a fully automated [[Intrusion detection system|perimeter intrusion detection system]] that will detect any possible violation, using sensors that will provide critical time for the security forces to react. Phase one of the intrusion prevention system is in place with barricades, automatic retractable [[Bollard (traffic)|bollards]], surveillance cameras, parking gate management systems and the introduction of biometric ID cards for staff.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article82651.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101013030250/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article82651.ece |archive-date=13 October 2010 |url-status=dead |___location=Chennai, India |work=The Hindu |title=Enhanced security equipment at Cochin airport |date=19 January 2010 |access-date=29 October 2010 }}</ref>
The immigration department is handled by Kerala Police, Special Branch officials trained by the Bureau of Immigration.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/article456494.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107155944/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/article456494.ece |archive-date=7 January 2016 |url-status=dead |___location=Chennai, India |work=The Hindu |first=S. Anil |last=Radhakrishnan |title=Airport facing lack of immigration officials |date=15 June 2010 |access-date=26 June 2013 }}</ref>
The airport company also has a high-end robotic security system capable of remote-handling of explosive devices and fire-fighting and hostage situations. The system is operational from September 2014, making CIAL the first in South India to have such a facility. It comprises safety robots developed by Canada-based Pedsco Ltd. and Threat Containment Vessel (TCV) and sophisticated luggage containment vehicle – both developed by Nabco, USA. The main equipment of the system is a threat containment vessel (TCV) carried by robots, which is capable of containing a blast of minimum 8 kg of TNT or equivalent quantity of explosive, triggered by suspected luggage including chemicals, radioactive materials and bombs. The container is reusable as it withstands repeated detonations and size of the TCV can be adjusted with the size of the suspected baggage. In addition to TCV, the technology also comprises a remote mobile Investigator (RMI)-9WT, which is a multipurpose six-wheel vehicle with removable tracks for step climbing capability. Using fixed arm extenders, the robot can be configured for different applications such as under car searches and second-store window access.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/robotic-security-for-kochi-airport/article6349289.ece |title=Robotic security for Kochi airport |newspaper=The Hindu |date=25 August 2014 |access-date=1 December 2016 |archive-date=1 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201214440/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/robotic-security-for-kochi-airport/article6349289.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Education and training==
Since 2008, CIAL has been the first airport to venture into providing higher education in aviation management and technical areas to overcome the shortage of skilled manpower in the aviation industry.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News-By-Industry/Transportation/Cial-Academy-first-to-be-started-by-an-airport-in-India/articleshow/4246353.cms |work=The Times of India |title=CIAL academy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723152447/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News-By-Industry/Transportation/Cial-Academy-first-to-be-started-by-an-airport-in-India/articleshow/4246353.cms |archive-date=23 July 2018 |url-status=dead |date=9 March 2009 |access-date=18 October 2010 }}</ref> CIAL has teamed up with the [[Indira Gandhi National Open University]] (IGNOU) to start two schools in aviation education.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}}
CIAL Aviation Academy provides two-year [[Master of Business Administration|management]] degrees in aviation and airport management, operations, economics, finance and human resources, along with short-term aviation oriented vocational diplomas. The academy also trains technical manpower required for airport operations. [[Air India Express]] has its temporary stewards grooming and training center in the facility.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/03/11/stories/2009031161560300.htm |___location=Chennai, India |title=Aviation academy: CIAL ties up with IGNOU |date=11 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108112620/http://www.hindu.com/2009/03/11/stories/2009031161560300.htm |archive-date=8 November 2012 |url-status=dead |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=18 October 2010 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.ciasl.in/html/academy.htm Cochin International Aviation Services Ltd] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101023191343/http://www.ciasl.in/html/academy.htm |date=23 October 2010 }} {{cite web |url=http://www.ciasl.in/html/academy.htm |title=Cochin International Aviation Services Ltd |date=14 December 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20090708082754/http://www.ciasl.in/html/academy.htm |archive-date=8 July 2009 }}</ref>
Aviation Security Training Institute – The Aviation Security Training Institute (ASTI), envisioned by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has been inaugurated in February 2014. The institute has state-of-the-art facilities like X-ray simulators (21), explosive model room, two classrooms with LCD projectors and other training infrastructures. Explosive model rooms display different types of switch mechanism to trigger explosion. Library consists of CDs, catering to International Civil Aviation With the establishment of ASTI in Kochi, employees and management personnel from Mangalore, Kozhikode, Coimbatore, Trichy, Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram airports can take training here. Employees of the proposed Kannur international airport are also likely to be trained here.<ref>{{cite news |last=Mampilli |first=Joseph |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/Aviation-Security-Training-Institute-to-be-Ready-Soon/2014/01/23/article2015033.ece |title=Aviation Security Training Institute to be Ready Soon |newspaper=The New Indian Express |date=23 January 2014 |access-date=5 May 2014 |archive-date=3 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303101303/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/Aviation-Security-Training-Institute-to-be-Ready-Soon/2014/01/23/article2015033.ece |url-status=dead }}</ref>
==Ground transportation==
CIAL is located between [[National Highway 544 (India)|National Highway 544]] (NH 544), one of the main highways of South India, and the [[Main Central Road]] (MC Road), one of the main state highways of Kerala. An expressway is planned from erstwhile NH 49 (now part [[National Highway 85 (India)|NH85]]) to the MC Road to facilitate faster transport.<ref name="cochin-airport.in">{{Cite web|url=http://www.cochin-airport.in/tender/tenderdetails.aspx?tender_id=156|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201174157/http://www.cochin-airport.in/tender/tenderdetails.aspx?tender_id=156|url-status=dead|title=Expressway to the airport|archive-date=1 December 2021|access-date=20 December 2019}}</ref> Though the main railway line is only about 500 meters from the airport, the nearest station is [[Angamaly railway station|Angamaly]] about 5 km away. A railway station with two platforms each capable of accommodating trains with up to 24 coaches, has been proposed to be built near the Airport at a cost of about ₹19 Crores. From the proposed station, travellers can reach the airport by taking a 1.5-kilometre road that passes beneath the Railway Over Bridge. Cochin International Airport Limited is also willing to operate electric buses connecting the new railway station and the airport. The proposed name for the station is `Cochin Airport'.<ref>{{Cite news |title=New railway station near Cochin International Airport; project set for completion in one year |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/travel/travel-news/2025/02/18/new-railway-station-near-cochin-international-airport-details.html |work=[[Onmanorama]] |date=19 February 2025 |access-date=19 February 2025}}</ref>
[[Kochi Metro Rail Limited|Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL)]] is planning to extend the [[Kochi Metro]] network to the airport.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kochi Metro seeks Centre's help for underground passage to Kochi airport in phase 3 expansion |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/centre-approached-for-funding-as-kochi-metro-plans-underground-link-to-airport-in-phase-3-expansion-01e04836 |access-date=2 July 2025 |website=Mathrubhumi |date=10 November 2024 |language=en}}</ref> KMRL currently services feeder buses connecting the airport to the metro network at [[Aluva metro station|Aluva Metro station]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=10 January 2025 |title=Kochi's 'Metro Connect' feeder e-buses to be launched in a week |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/kochis-metro-connect-feeder-e-buses-to-be-launched-in-a-week/article69085528.ece |access-date=2 July 2025 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
=== Air-taxi services ===
Cochin airport has dedicated air-taxi services for passengers to travel to major pilgrim destinations in Kerala as well as to cities like [[Thiruvananthapuram]] and in northern Kerala like [[Kozhikode]].{{citation needed|date=September 2011}} In association with Bharat Airways, it provides scheduled air-taxi services to [[Sabarimala]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Helicopter service launched for pilgrims in Kochi|url=http://www.dailyindia.com/show/401920.php|access-date=9 February 2022|website=www.dailyindia.com|archive-date=14 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314024837/http://www.dailyindia.com/show/401920.php|url-status=live}}</ref>
==CIAL Aerotropolis==
One of the main projects for the future of the airport was the CIAL [[Aerotropolis]], or [[Airport city|Airport City]], with a total area of {{convert|500|acre|0|order=flip}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 March 2009 |title=The Hindu : Kerala News : Kochi airport presents 'Aerotropolis' roadmap |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/02/28/stories/2009022858700300.htm |access-date=9 February 2022 |website= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303231619/http://www.hindu.com/2009/02/28/stories/2009022858700300.htm |archive-date=3 March 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://cial.aero/Pressroom/eventDetails.aspx?eventId%3D66 |title=The Official Website of Cochin International Airport |access-date=25 December 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106032146/http://cial.aero/Pressroom/eventDetails.aspx?eventId=66 |archive-date=6 January 2012 }} CIAL.AERO</ref> The Aerotropolis was proposed by its founder, [[V. J. Kurian|V.J. Kurien]], to ensure additional revenue sources for the growth of the company and to increase airport traffic through tourism and allied activities. The Aerotropolis first began in Nedumbassery and nearby villages, aimed to convert into a self-sustainable town, with the airport forming the core element with a residential zone. Work on the Aerotropolis commenced in 2007, and most of the aerotropolis has been completed, as of 2023.{{citation needed|date=August 2015}}
[[File:Solar Plant powering the Cochin International Airport.jpg|thumb|Part of the airport's solar power plant]]
===Manufacturing and business zone===
The master plan envisages the creation of a [[Special Economic Zone]] (SEZ) for aircraft-allied industries, especially spare parts and OEM manufacturing units, an airline research and development center, workshops and service zones. In addition to this an Information Technology Park, with dedicated airline support technology, design and development centers is also proposed. An integrated logistics center and central container freight station are planned at the cargo village.<ref>{{Cite web|title=cochin-airport.in|url=http://www.cochin-airport.in/contents/viewcontent.aspx?linkIdLvl2=20&linkid=20|access-date=9 February 2022|website=www.cochin-airport.in|archive-date=12 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100812052238/http://www.cochin-airport.in/contents/viewcontent.aspx?linkIdLvl2=20&linkid=20|url-status=live}}</ref>
===CIAL solar power project===
[[File:Cochin International Airport Solar Power Plant DSC 0247.jpg|Solar power plant|thumb|right]]
[[File:Cochin International Airport Gate.jpg|Board at Entrance|thumb|right]]
The [[CIAL Solar Power Project]] is a 15 [[megawatt]] (MW) photovoltaic (PV) power station built by CIAL. Cochin International Airport became the first fully solar-powered airport in the world with the commissioning of the plant.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-34421419 |title=How is the world's first solar powered airport faring? |work=BBC News |date=9 October 2015 |access-date=24 April 2017 |archive-date=25 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525214353/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-34421419 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="sciAlertCochinAirport">{{cite web |url=http://www.sciencealert.com/india-establishes-world-s-first-100-percent-solar-powered-airport |title=India Establishes World's First 100 Percent Solar-Powered Airport |last=Crew |first=Bec |publisher=scienceAlert |date=20 August 2015 |access-date=24 April 2017 |work=report |archive-date=30 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170430033958/http://www.sciencealert.com/india-establishes-world-s-first-100-percent-solar-powered-airport |url-status=live }}</ref>
The plant comprises 46,150 solar panels laid across {{convert|45|acre|abbr=on|order=flip}} near the international cargo complex, and was installed by the [[Germany|German]]-based [[Bosch (company)|Bosch]]. It is capable of generating 50,000 units of electricity daily, and is equipped with a supervisory control and data acquisition system (SCADA), through which remote monitoring is carried out. The project components include PV modules of 265 [[watt-peak]] (W<sub>p</sub>) capacity manufactured by Renesola, and inverters of 1 MW capacity manufactured by [[ABB]] India.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/kochi-airport-installs-12mw-solar-plant/article7535059.ece |title=Kochi airport installs 12MW solar plant |publisher=The Hindu business line |access-date=13 April 2016}}</ref>
The plant is coupled with a 1.1 MW solar plant that was commissioned in 2013, the first megawatt scale installation of a solar PV system in [[Kerala]]. This plant was installed by Emvee Photovoltaic Power Pvt. Ltd., consisting of 4,000 monocrystalline modules of 250 W<sub>p</sub> and 33 string [[Power inverter|inverters]] of 30 kW capacity each.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://cial.aero/Pressroom/newsdetails.aspx?news_id=358&news_status=A |title=CIAL all set to become the first solar powered airport in the country |access-date=13 August 2016 |archive-date=19 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119235700/http://cial.aero/Pressroom/newsdetails.aspx?news_id=358&news_status=A |url-status=live }}</ref>
CIAL has doubled solar production to 28.8 MW of power production within 2 years as part an ambitious plan to expand solar power, with three major projects under construction. The first came up over a {{convert|3.4|km|mi|abbr=on|adj=mid|-long}} canal close to the airport, the second was through development of India's first solar carport roof utility plan and the third will use ground level panels on open space near the airport.<ref>{{cite news |author=Times News Network |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Cial-places-three-more-solar-bets/articleshow/53073929.cms |title=Cial places three more solar bets |newspaper=Times of India |date=6 July 2016 |access-date=24 April 2017 |archive-date=16 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816003735/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Cial-places-three-more-solar-bets/articleshow/53073929.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Accidents and incidents==
* On 30 July 1998, [[Indian Airlines Flight 503]], a Dornier 228 from [[Agatti Island|Agatti]], crashed into a building after takeoff, killing all six people on board and three more people in the building.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ranter|first=Harro|title=ASN Aircraft accident HAL/Dornier 228-201 VT-EJW Cochin Airport (COK)|url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19980730-0|url-status=live|access-date=17 June 2021|website=aviation-safety.net|publisher=[[Aviation Safety Network]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050406190636/http://aviation-safety.net:80/database/record.php?id=19980730-0 |archive-date=6 April 2005 }}</ref>
* On 25 April 2010, [[Emirates (airline)|Emirates]] Flight EK 530, a Boeing 777-200 from Dubai, dropped around {{convert|200|ft|m|0|order=flip}} during heavy turbulence as the aircraft entered a thick [[cumulonimbus]] cloud while on its descent. 20 passengers were injured and some internal damage was caused to the plane. The aircraft was on descent into Kochi when the incident occurred. There were 350 passengers and 14 crew on board.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.timesnow.tv/Emirates-pilot-couldnt-avoid-Cumulonimbus-cloud/articleshow/4343790.cms |title='Emirates pilot couldn't avoid Cumulonimbus cloud' |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100428081723/http://www.timesnow.tv/Emirates-pilot-couldnt-avoid-Cumulonimbus-cloud/articleshow/4343790.cms |archive-date=28 April 2010 |work=Times Now |date=25 April 2010 |access-date=15 April 2025}}</ref>
* On 29 August 2011, [[Gulf Air]] Flight GF 270, an [[Airbus A320 family|Airbus A320]] from Bahrain, carrying 137 passengers skidded off the runway at 3:55 am during its descent. The reason for the crash is suspected to be the heavy rain at the time. The aircraft had been said to have slipped off the runway and landed nose first. The aircraft broke one of its wings while landing and stalled air traffic for hours. Passengers after the crash, in chaos, were reported to have jumped from the aircraft through emergency exit doors even before stairways were brought into place. The crash caused seven minor injuries and two serious injuries due to the chaos that followed.<ref name="gulfa">{{Cite web|title=Kochi: Plane skids off the runway, 7 passengers injured|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/kochi-plane-skids-off-the-runway-7-passengers-injured-465827|access-date=9 February 2022|website=NDTV.com|archive-date=9 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209141340/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/kochi-plane-skids-off-the-runway-7-passengers-injured-465827|url-status=live}}</ref>
* On 4 September 2017, [[Air India Express]] Flight IX 452, a Boeing 737-800 which arrived from Abu Dhabi, got stuck in the drain canal while taxiing to the international terminal 3 after landing. Passengers and crew were safely evacuated. The incident happened when the pilot took a wrong turn from the parallel taxiway, almost 90 meters before the link taxiway through which the aircraft was supposed to vacate.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/air-india-express-aircraft-veers-off-taxiway-at-kochi-airport-all-passengers-safe-4829251/ |title=Air India Express aircraft veers off taxiway at Kochi airport, all passengers safe |newspaper=The Indian Express |date=7 November 2017 |access-date=19 November 2017 |archive-date=8 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108201343/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/air-india-express-aircraft-veers-off-taxiway-at-kochi-airport-all-passengers-safe-4829251/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
===2018 Kerala floods===
As a consequence of [[2018 Kerala floods]], the airport was closed 14{{ndash}}29 August 2018. Water in the [[Periyar (river)|Periyar]], which flows {{convert|500|m|0}} away from the airport, rose to {{convert|4.7|ft|mm|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} during these days.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/after-being-shut-15-days-kochi-airport-finally-reopens-87483|title=After being shut for 15 days due to floods, Kochi airport finally reopens|date=30 August 2018|work=The News Minute|access-date=31 August 2018|archive-date=24 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190124042850/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/after-being-shut-15-days-kochi-airport-finally-reopens-87483|url-status=live}}</ref> The runway and other facilities were non-functional due to excessive flooding and inclement weather.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/kerala-floods-kochi-airport-to-remain-closed-till-august-26-afternoon/articleshow/65424706.cms|title=Kerala floods: Kochi airport to remain closed till August 26 afternoon|work=The Times of India|access-date=31 August 2018|archive-date=2 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902020800/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/kerala-floods-kochi-airport-to-remain-closed-till-august-26-afternoon/articleshow/65424706.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> Flights to Kochi were diverted to and were operating from other airports in the state like [[Trivandrum International Airport|Thiruvananthapuram]] and [[Calicut International Airport|Kozhikode]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/kochi-airport-shut-till-saturday-flights-diverted-to-calicut-and-thiruvananthapuram-1845851.html|title=Kochi Airport Shut Till Saturday, Flights Diverted to Calicut and Thiruvananthapuram|work=News18|access-date=31 August 2018|archive-date=31 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831072052/https://www.news18.com/news/india/kochi-airport-shut-till-saturday-flights-diverted-to-calicut-and-thiruvananthapuram-1845851.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/reschedule-kochi-flights-to-trivandrum-and-calicut-centre-tells-airlines/articleshow/65415144.cms|title=Reschedule Kochi flights to Trivandrum and Calicut, Centre tells airlines|work=The Times of India|access-date=31 August 2018|archive-date=16 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916094338/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/reschedule-kochi-flights-to-trivandrum-and-calicut-centre-tells-airlines/articleshow/65415144.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/kerala-floods-goair-indigo-to-operate-special-flights-to-and-from-trivandrum-airport/articleshow/65453579.cms|title=Kerala floods: GoAir, IndiGo to operate special flights to and from Trivandrum airport|work=The Times of India|access-date=31 August 2018|archive-date=22 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180822154252/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/kerala-floods-goair-indigo-to-operate-special-flights-to-and-from-trivandrum-airport/articleshow/65453579.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> From 20 August 2018, [[INS Garuda]] (a naval [[Military air base|airbase]] in Kochi) was used as a civilian airport for small aircraft operations to neighbouring cities like [[Kempegowda International Airport|Bangalore]], [[Chennai International Airport|Chennai]], and [[Coimbatore International Airport|Coimbatore]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/kerala-to-get-much-needed-respite-kochi-naval-base-restarts-operations/articleshow/65468975.cms|title=Naval air base at Kochi opened up for commercial flights|last1=Chowdhury|first1=Anirban|date=21 August 2018|work=The Economic Times|access-date=31 August 2018|last2=Krishnakumar|first2=P. K.|archive-date=31 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831072014/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/kerala-to-get-much-needed-respite-kochi-naval-base-restarts-operations/articleshow/65468975.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/alliance-air-to-fly-atr-to-kochi-naval-airbase-from-monday-other-airlines-may-follow-suit/articleshow/65455186.cms|title=Alliance Air to fly ATR to Kochi naval airbase from Monday, other airlines may follow suit|work=The Times of India|access-date=31 August 2018|archive-date=30 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330045107/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/alliance-air-to-fly-atr-to-kochi-naval-airbase-from-monday-other-airlines-may-follow-suit/articleshow/65455186.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/alliance-air-to-operate-flights-from-kochi-naval-base-for-rescue-operations-in-flood-hit-kerala-1902664|title=Alliance Air To Operate Flights From Kochi Naval Base For Rescue Ops|work=NDTV.com|access-date=31 August 2018|archive-date=31 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831071926/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/alliance-air-to-operate-flights-from-kochi-naval-base-for-rescue-operations-in-flood-hit-kerala-1902664|url-status=live}}</ref> The airport reopened on 29 August 2018, 14:00 [[Indian Standard Time]] ([[UTC+05:30]]).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/kochi-airport-reopens-after-15-days-of-closure/article24813784.ece|title=Kochi airport reopens after 15 days of closure|date=30 August 2018|work=The Hindu|access-date=31 August 2018|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=10 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200210042632/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/kochi-airport-reopens-after-15-days-of-closure/article24813784.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> It suffered an estimated loss of {{INRConvert|3|b}} during the closed period.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/kerala-floods-kochi-airport-suffers-estimated-loss-of-over-rs-220-crore/articleshow/65487028.cms|title=Kerala floods: Kochi airport suffers estimated loss of over Rs 220 crore|date=21 August 2018|work=The Economic Times|access-date=31 August 2018|archive-date=31 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831072026/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/kerala-floods-kochi-airport-suffers-estimated-loss-of-over-rs-220-crore/articleshow/65487028.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/how-kochi-airport-reopened-14-days-after-floods-caused-rs-300-cr-worth-loss-87824|title=How Kochi airport reopened in 14 days after floods caused Rs 300 cr-worth loss|date=5 September 2018|work=The News Minute|access-date=22 September 2018|archive-date=4 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204131932/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/how-kochi-airport-reopened-14-days-after-floods-caused-rs-300-cr-worth-loss-87824|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/050918/cial-seeks-dutch-help-to-tackle-flood-at-the-airport.html|title=CIAL seeks Dutch help to tackle flood at the airport|date=5 September 2018|work=Deccan Chronicle|access-date=22 September 2018|language=en|archive-date=22 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180922065358/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/050918/cial-seeks-dutch-help-to-tackle-flood-at-the-airport.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
===2019 Kerala floods===
As a consequence of [[2019 Kerala floods]], water flooding the runway due to the heavy rains led to temporary suspension of airport operations from 8 August 2019 to 12:00 [[Indian Standard Time]] on 11 August 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://english.manoramaonline.com/news/kerala/2019/08/09/kerala-rain-flood-disaster-red-alert.html|title=Kerala rain live updates: Cochin airport resumes operations; Army reaches landslide-hit Nilambur|website=OnManorama|access-date=20 December 2019|archive-date=17 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217073931/https://english.manoramaonline.com/news/kerala/2019/08/09/kerala-rain-flood-disaster-red-alert.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Awards and accolades==
Cochin International Airport achieved major international recognition in 2015 when it became the first fully solar-powered airport in the world. In 2017, it also became the first airport in the world to implement a solar carport, a parking bay with rooftop solar panels. The airport was selected as "the best non-metro airport in India" in 2016 by the Air Passengers Association of India.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/300816/national-award-for-cochin-international-airport.html|title=National award for Cochin international airport|newspaper=[[Deccan Chronicle]]|date=30 August 2016|access-date=7 July 2017|archive-date=27 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227235056/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/300816/national-award-for-cochin-international-airport.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The airport has also won numerous awards for energy conservation, productivity and infrastructure.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cial.aero/contents/viewcontent.aspx?linkId=174&linkLvl1Id=50|title=About CIAL|publisher=Cochin International Airport|access-date=7 June 2017|archive-date=28 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628132034/http://cial.aero/contents/viewcontent.aspx?linkId=174&linkLvl1Id=50|url-status=live}}</ref>
In July 2018, the airport was selected for the [[Champions of the Earth|Champion of the Earth]] award, the highest environmental honour instituted by the [[United Nations]].<ref name="UN" />
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [https://www.aai.aero/en/airports/cochin Cochin International Airport] at [[Airports Authority of India]] website
* [https://cial.aero Cochin Airport Official Website]
* {{ASN|COK}}
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